Ka’ena Point State Park Northern Access Road

This abandoned paved road turned 4WD track follows Oahu’s northwest shoreline to Ka’ena Point, where the Hawaiian Islands’ westernmost tip meets crashing Pacific swells and endangered Hawaiian monk seals haul out on protected beaches. The route starts where Farrington Highway ends and deteriorates into a rough coastal track through kiawe thorns and salt spray, with the old Oahu Railway roadbed providing the most reliable path when high surf makes the beach route impassable.

Easy to moderate difficulty for stock 4WD vehicles, but bring a full-size spare since kiawe thorns are notorious tire killers. Winter months (November-March) bring massive surf that can wash over the track, making summer the safer choice. No permits required but respect the wildlife protection areas and don’t disturb monk seals or nesting seabirds. The payoff is Hawaii’s most remote accessible point, where you can watch whales migrate and experience Oahu’s wild side without the crowds of Diamond Head or Hanauma Bay.